Lake Texoma is a premier fishing destination straddling the border between Texas and Oklahoma. Renowned for its exceptional striped bass fishing, this expansive lake offers anglers the unique opportunity to catch freshwater and saltwater species due to the mix of river and seawater, categorizing it as a brackish lake.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable fishing journey at Lake Texoma, where the waters teem with various fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, alongside the prized striped bass. Our comprehensive fishing report is designed to arm you with all the necessary information, from navigating the lake’s vast expanse to identifying hotspots where fish are biting.
Whether you’re an experienced angler aiming to land a trophy-sized striped bass or a beginner eager to enjoy a day out on the water, our report includes essential tips on effective fishing techniques, bait recommendations, and the latest on water conditions. Join the ranks of fishermen who have discovered the thrills of casting their lines in Lake Texoma’s fertile waters.
Lake Texoma Fishing ReportLake Texoma Overview
Lake Texoma was created in 1944 by the completion of the Denison Dam, with the primary purpose of flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is fed by two main tributaries, namely the Red River and the Washita River.
Its main tributary, the Red River, carries salt deposits left over from an ancient sea that existed approximately 250 million years ago in what is now the Texas-Oklahoma border region. These salt deposits contribute to Lake Texoma’s unique saline environment, making it the home to the only self-sustaining population of striped bass in Texas.
Lake Texoma is regarded as one of the premier fishing destinations in Texas and Oklahoma. Beyond fishing, it offers many recreational activities such as boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and camping. The lake's vast expanse is dotted with marinas, resorts, and parks, providing ample amenities for visitors seeking to explore its natural beauty and enjoy outdoor adventures.
The management of Lake Texoma involves collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and various state and local entities in Texas and Oklahoma. This cooperative effort ensures the preservation of the lake’s ecological health, the safety of its waters, and the satisfaction of its many visitors.
With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and wealth of recreational activities, Lake Texoma stands out as a jewel of the Southwest, attracting anglers, boaters, and nature lovers from across the country and worldwide.
Size and Topography
Lake Texoma is a vast and picturesque reservoir on the Red River, which forms the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. This impressive body of water is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, covering a massive area of 89,000 acres and boasting about 580 miles of shoreline.
Strategically positioned about 75 miles north of Dallas, Texas, and equally accessible from Oklahoma, Lake Texoma is a significant recreational destination for millions of visitors annually. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for striped bass.
In fact, Lake Texoma is one of the few reservoirs in the country where stripers reproduce naturally, thanks to the mineral-rich waters and ideal spawning conditions.
Here’s a short summary of the lake according to its capacity:
Water Surface Area: 93,000 acres
Max. Depth: 110 ft
Ave. Depth: 39.9 ft
Water Volume: 2,525,568 acre-ft
Shore Length: 580 mi
Surface Elevation: 658.8 ft
Climate
Air Temperature
During the hot season, which lasts approximately 3.4 months from early June to mid-September, visitors can expect average daily high temperatures above 87°F. July stands out as the hottest month, where the thermometer often soars to an average high of 94°F and seldom dips below an average low of 74°F at night.
Conversely, the cool season, spanning about 3.0 months from late November to late February, brings a different ambiance to Lake Texoma. The average daily high temperature falls below 62°F, with January being the coldest month. During this time, the average high-temperature hovers around 54°F, which can drop to an average low of 35°F.
Spring and autumn transitional periods bring moderate temperatures and a pleasant climate, perfect for exploring Lake Texoma’s natural and recreational offerings. In spring, from March through May, temperatures gradually warm from an average high of 67°F to 89°F, setting the stage for the summer heat.
From September through November, autumn sees a comfortable cooling trend, with average highs decreasing from 87°F to 65°F, offering a refreshing respite from the summer’s warmth.
Table 1 summarizes the temperatures at Lake Texoma.
Table 1. Temperatures at Lake Texoma based on historical data (Source: Weather Spark).
|
Month |
High Temperature (°F) |
Average Temperature (°F) |
Low Temperature (°F) |
|
January |
59 |
47 |
39 |
|
February |
67 |
55 |
47 |
|
March |
74 |
63 |
54 |
|
April |
82 |
71 |
63 |
|
May |
89 |
79 |
71 |
|
June |
94 |
84 |
74 |
|
July |
94 |
84 |
74 |
|
August |
94 |
84 |
74 |
|
September |
87 |
76 |
66 |
|
October |
76 |
65 |
56 |
|
November |
65 |
55 |
46 |
|
December |
56 |
45 |
37 |
Meanwhile, Figure 1 shows the average hourly temperature at Lake Texoma.
Figure 1. Graph of the daily average temperature data in Lake Texoma. Image Courtesy: WeatherSpark
Precipitation
Figure 2. Graph of precipitation data in Lake Texoma. Image Courtesy: WeatherSpark
The wet season at Lake Texoma typically lasts for about 2.6 months, starting on April 8 and ending on June 25. During this time, there is a higher probability of experiencing wet days (at least 0.04 inches of precipitation). May has the highest average number of wet days, with approximately 11.7 days.
On the other hand, the drier season lasts for approximately 9.4 months, from June 25 to April 8. January is the driest month, with an average of around 4.9 days of significant precipitation.
Rain is the most common form of precipitation at Lake Texoma, with the highest likelihood of experiencing rain (40%) on June 1. This indicates that rain is the most frequent type of precipitation, particularly during the wet season. May has the highest number of wet days.
Cloud Cover
Figure 3. Graph of cloud cover categories in Lake Texoma throughout the year. Image Courtesy: WeatherSpark
Lake Texoma experiences the least cloud cover for approximately 5.3 months between May 31 and November. This time of year provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and enjoying the scenic views as the skies are clearer.
October is the clearest month of this stretch, with the sky being mostly clear or partly cloudy about 71% of the time.
On the other hand, from November 10 to May 31, Lake Texoma experiences a cloudier season lasting about 6.7 months. During this time, there are more overcast days, which subtly affects the ambiance of the lake. February is the cloudiest month of this stretch, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy 45% of the time.
Vegetation and Fishing Cover
Lake Texoma is not known for having much aquatic vegetation. Nevertheless, it is still home to significant vegetation, such as water willow
Water Levels
Figure 4. Graph of water levels in Lake Texoma within the last two years. Image Courtesy: Water Data For Texas
As of March 6, 2024, Lake Texoma’s water level was reported to be 0.60 feet above normal, with the pool elevation at 615.6 feet. At this elevation, the lake held around 2,384,454 acre-feet of water.
Moreover, on the same date, Lake Texoma was found to be 95.9% full. These measurements suggest that the lake’s water level is within the normal range, making it an ideal location for activities such as fishing and boating.
Lake Texoma Fish Population
Lake Texoma is renowned for its rich fishing environment and diverse aquatic population, making it a favorite among anglers of all skill levels. This reservoir is one of the largest in the United States, serving as a natural border between Texas and Oklahoma. Its vast waters are inhabited by various fish species, contributing to a dynamic and balanced ecosystem.
One of the hallmark species of Lake Texoma is the striped bass. The lake is considered one of the few reservoirs in the nation where striped bass naturally reproduce, leading to strong populations of striped and hybrid bass. These fish are particularly sought after for their size and fighting prowess, offering thrilling challenges for anglers.
In addition to striped bass, Lake Texoma is home to:
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass
- Catfish (including blue, channel, and flathead varieties)
- White bass
- Black and white crappie
The lake’s management practices, including habitat conservation and fish stocking programs, ensure its fish populations’ continued health and diversity. As a result, Lake Texoma remains a premier fishing destination known for its potential to yield high-quality catches and memorable fishing experiences.
Whether targeting the famous striped bass or exploring the lake for other species, anglers at Lake Texoma can look forward to a rewarding fishing adventure set against the backdrop of the lake’s scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)
The Striped Bass, also known as the rockfish, is a popular and iconic game fish in fresh and saltwater environments across the United States. This species is particularly noted for its size, with individuals commonly reaching lengths of up to 20-30 inches and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. However, larger specimens exceeding 50 pounds have been caught.
Stripes have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their silvery body and seven or eight continuous black stripes running horizontally along their sides. This striping pattern is easily recognizable and is a key identifier among anglers. The fish has a streamlined shape, a large mouth, and a slightly forked tail, contributing to its powerful swimming capabilities.
Habitat: The Striped Bass is a fish known for its remarkable migratory behavior. It is commonly found in coastal estuaries, rivers, and offshore marine environments. These fish are highly adaptable, as they can live in both fresh and saltwater. Striped Bass thrive in clean water with a moderate to strong current and access to shallow and deep water for feeding and spawning.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: Striped bass have unique breeding patterns that are closely tied to their migratory behavior. Striped Bass swim upstream to freshwater rivers for spawning when the water temperature is at 60°F to 70°F. Once there, the females release the eggs into the water, and the males fertilize them. The fertilized eggs then flow downstream and hatch within two days. Striped Bass are known for their prolific breeding patterns, with a single female capable of producing up to 3 million eggs per season.
Movement Patterns: In the spring, the Striped Bass migrate upstream to freshwater rivers, where they prefer to lay their eggs on gravelly or rocky substrates. During other times of the year, they tend to move towards estuaries and nearshore waters, where they can be spotted around structures, such as underwater wrecks, rocky outcrops, and ledges. These structures provide them with ample food and protection from predators.
Recommended Fishing Strategy:
If you want to increase your chances of catching striped bass in Lake Texoma, it’s important to use the right lures and retrieval techniques based on the season. Choosing Four Inch Sassy Shad Lures or Pencil Popper Topwater Plugs that closely resemble the local baitfish is a good idea. Adjust your retrieval speed to match the seasonal changes, going faster during warmer months and slower during cooler months.
When fishing in deeper lake areas, the Casting Umbrella Rig is a great tool. Blakemore Roadrunner Bucktails can be very useful for situations that demand versatility in retrieve speeds to match the fish’s activity level. Lastly, if you want to target stripers at precise depths, especially in structured underwater environments, Slab Spoons are the best choice for vertical jigging.
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
The Largemouth Bass is highly sought after by anglers in the United States due to its exciting fight and potential to grow to impressive sizes. These fish can grow up to 4-8 inches in their first year, 14 inches in their second, and potentially reach over 18 inches in just three years.
A distinctive feature of this species is its green coloration, with dark spots arranged in a horizontal line on both sides of the fish. At the same time, the underbelly is usually light green or white. Their dorsal fin is divided into two sections, with the anterior portion having nine spines and the posterior portion containing 12-13 soft rays. Additionally, their upper jaw extends beyond the rear margin of their eye.
Habitat: Largemouth bass have a natural ability to find secure hiding spots, including logs, rock ledges, standing timber, and artificial structures. They are also able to adapt well to a variety of environments. During the spawning season, they search for areas with a solid bottom made of sand, mud, or gravel. Adult largemouth bass use submerged aquatic vegetation to catch their prey, whereas younger fish tend to find cover in underwater weeds, tree branches, submerged logs, and standing timber.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: Largemouth bass prefer to breed in water between 55 and 65°F. They typically spawn in shallow waters during spawning periods to guarantee a warm environment for their eggs.
Movement Patterns: During the spring season, it’s common for Largemouth bass to migrate towards shallow waters to spawn. As the summer season arrives, they tend to head towards deeper and cooler areas throughout the day but return to shallow waters during dawn or dusk for feeding purposes. In the fall season, Largemouth bass becomes more active and can be found at different depths. During winter, they tend to prefer deeper waters to maintain their body temperature. However, they may swim towards shallower waters if the temperature outside is warm enough.
Recommended Fishing Strategy:
When targeting largemouth bass, focus your efforts around rock piles and other submerged structures. Utilize a variety of lures, including Ned rigs, drop-shots, shakey heads, jigs, crankbaits, Mepps spinners, and Rooster Tails, to entice strikes. During the spring months, concentrate on shallower waters where largemouth bass are likely to spawn. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and presentations to find what works best for enticing strikes from these elusive predators.
White Bass (Morone chrysops)
The White Bass is a highly sought-after fish species due to its spirited fights and delicious taste, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fishing and cooking. It is known for its striking silver-white to pale green coloration with dark stripes on the belly.
It has large, rough scales, two dorsal fins, and a deep, laterally compressed body with a homocercal tail. This species thrives in various aquatic environments, making it a prized catch for anglers seeking both sport and culinary delights. It is admired for its spirited fights and delicious taste, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fishing and cooking.
Habitat: Adaptable by nature, the White Bass is a versatile fish found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They are often drawn to schools of baitfish. They are skilled at using natural and artificial structures such as submerged ledges and rocky areas for protection. When it comes to spawning, they prefer shallow gravel or rocky bottoms to lay their eggs.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: White Bass spawn in early spring by migrating to tributary streams. Males reach maturity and move to the spawning grounds before females. The mature adults swim in schools of their own sex. Spawning occurs near the surface or midwater over a rocky or gravelly bottom without nest preparation. After fertilization, the eggs settle to the bottom and attach to rocks. It takes about two days for the eggs to hatch, and a single large female can produce up to a million eggs in one season.
Movement Patterns: The preferred habitats of White Bass are streams’ deep pools and lakes and reservoirs’ open waters. They tend to avoid turbid conditions and instead prefer clear waters with a sandy or rocky bottom. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk and thrive in environments with optimal visibility and structured substrates.
Recommended Fishing Strategy:
Use jigs, small spinners, and lipless crankbaits as your primary lures to attract white bass. During the spawning season, focus your fishing efforts on tributary creeks and rivers where white bass tend to congregate in large numbers.
In the summer, trolling with spoons and lipless crankbaits along the channels of creeks and rivers can also be highly effective as it allows you to cover more water and locate active schools of white bass.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
The channel catfish is a North American freshwater fish popular for its unique features, hard-fighting nature, and excellent taste. They have olive-brown to slate-blue hues with black spots, and their upper jaws extend beyond their lower jaws. These omnivores thrive in various aquatic environments, consuming a diverse diet of aquatic insects, small fish, and plants.
Habitat: Channel catfish can survive in murky waters and thrive in the dark depths of deep pools, particularly near dams. They are often found in areas with submerged logs, rocks, or debris, offering shelter and potential feeding opportunities.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: Catfish search for quiet, hidden places to construct their nests during spawning. Male catfish use their tails to clear away garbage until they reach a foundation of sand or gravel. They lay their eggs between the months of May and July when the temperature of the water is approximately 75°F. Channel catfish swim upstream in search of warmer and shallower waters.
Movement Patterns: In the summertime, channel catfish tend to move towards deeper and cooler waters to avoid the hot and intense sunlight. But at night, they return to shallow areas to look for food. This creates ample opportunity for fishermen to catch them in the shallower waters after sunset. If you want to catch channel catfish, consider going fishing after dark.
Recommended Fishing Strategy:
Focus on bottom fishing techniques, particularly near large holes in tributaries. Use a variety of baits, including worms, dips, nugget-type baits, stinkbait, punchbait, and chicken livers, to attract catfish from a distance by taking advantage of the scent trails these baits leave behind.
Slip-bobber rigs can position your bait just above the bottom, close to underwater cover or structure, providing natural feeding areas for catfish. This method can increase your chances of a bite by keeping the bait in the strike zone longer. Depending on the current and depth of the water, you may need to adjust your tactics to ensure your bait is presented naturally.
Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Blue catfish are freshwater fish known for their large size and unique blue-gray coloration. They can be found in major river systems in North America. These fish have a distinctive forked tail and smooth, scaleless skin that covers their robust bodies.
They are known for their voracious appetites and will eat various fish and other aquatic organisms. Just like other catfish species, anglers are attracted to blue catfish because they are a challenging catch and can weigh several hundred pounds.
Habitat: Blue catfish are usually found in medium to large freshwater channels and pools with strong currents. They prefer to live on sandy bottoms and can often be found near rock piles where they can rest.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: Male blue catfish construct nests using their tails and jaws for breeding. They mate through pheromones, and once fertilized, the eggs attach to the nest. The male then guards the eggs until hatching, and the young ones stay close to the nest under his supervision until they are independent.
Movement Patterns: Blue catfish seek low or non-existent water flow areas during breeding season. They nest in protected and slightly secluded areas with cover. Blue catfish migrate long distances and adapt to changes in water temperature. They swim toward warmer waters in winter and cooler waters in summer.
Recommended Fishing Strategy:
Blue catfish are typically bottom feeders and actively feed even in colder temperatures. When fishing deep waters, you can use live bait like shad or small bluegills to attract the attention of blue catfish. You can also use cut bait, chicken liver, hot dogs, and stinkbaits since blue catfish are attracted to strong scents. At night, it’s recommended to focus on fishing in shallower waters. Suspend your bait under floats to keep it near the productive feeding zones.
White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
The white crappie is a fish species with a flattened and deep body shape. It is also called papermouth. Its name originates from the Greek word “Pomoxis,” which refers to the sharp spines on its gill covers, and the Latin word “annularis,” which describes its distinctive dark bands resembling rings.
The white crappie features a silvery belly, a dark green back, and a dorsal fin with six spines. During the spring season, male white crappies develop a dark throat. This species has large dorsal and anal fins on a laterally compressed body, with the dorsal fin having five to six spines and 14 or 15 rays. In comparison, the anal fin has five to seven spines and 16 to 18 rays.
Habitat: Adult crappie can be found in various freshwater habitats, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds, sloughs, backwaters, pools, and streams. They usually prefer to stay in areas that provide cover, such as vegetation, fallen trees, or boulders. These fish tend to gather in schools in clear water surrounded by vegetation over mud or sand.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: White crappie tend to thrive in larger nest beds and are known to have a high reproductive capacity, which can sometimes lead to overpopulation and stunted growth in smaller lakes. These fish usually prefer to spawn during spring and lay eggs when water temperatures range between 65°F and 70°F. After hatching within 3 to 5 days, the fry remain attached to the nest substrate for a short while before they start feeding on microscopic organisms.
Movement Patterns: Crappie fish are opportunistic feeders. They explore newly flooded areas during rising water levels for better food sources. They move towards submerged structures or deeper waters in falling water conditions for better cover and stability. They are also attracted to areas with abundant forage.
Recommended Fishing Strategy:
When catching white crappie, use small jigs between 1/32 to 1/8 ounce and pair them with live minnows to help mimic the crappie’s natural prey. Look for areas with structure, such as submerged timber, weed beds, or brush piles, where crappie tends to gather, especially during the spring spawning season.
Keep your retrieval slow and steady to make your bait more tempting to the crappie. You can also try drifting techniques in open water to cover more ground and locate schools of crappie. Although you can fish for crappie year-round, the most productive periods are usually during the cooler months of spring and fall, when crappie move to shallower waters for feeding and spawning.
Table 2. Summary of fish species at Lake Texoma and recommended fishing strategies.
|
Fish Species |
Baits and Lures |
Fishing Strategy |
|
Striped Bass |
Four Inch Sassy Shad Lures, Pencil Popper Topwater Plug, Casting Umbrella Rig, Blakemore Roadrunner Bucktail, Slab Spoon, Sassy Shad Swimbait |
Match the hatch in terms of bait size. Adjust retrieve speed according to season, faster in summer and slower in winter. Use A-Rig in deep water, bucktail jigs for a slow roll or faster presentation based on fish activity. Use slab spoons for vertical jigging at the depth of the Striper. |
|
Largemouth Bass |
Ned rig, drop-shot, shakey head, jigs, crankbaits, Mepps spinner, Rooster Tail |
Focus on rock piles and other structures. For smallmouth, downsize lures for better results. In spring, target shallower waters for spawning. |
|
White Bass |
Jigs, small spinners, lipless crankbaits |
Increase catch rates by boating during hotter and colder months. For shore fishing, target them during the spawn in tributary creeks and rivers. Troll with spoons and lipless crankbaits along creek and river channels in summer. |
|
Channel Catfish |
Worms, dips, nugget-type bait, stinkbait, punchbait, chicken livers |
Target the bottom near big catfish-filled holes, especially in rivers to utilize the scent trail. Use slip-bobber rigs to suspend bait just off the bottom near cover. |
|
Blue Catfish |
Live bait (e.g., shad, small bluegills), cut bait, hot dogs |
Fish on the bottom in deep waters or suspend bait under floats in shallower areas, especially at night. Experiment with different baitfish to see what works best in your fishing area. |
|
White Crappie |
Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows |
Target channel catfish during April through September and blue catfish into the fall and year-round using drifting techniques with live or cut shad. |
Best Times of the Year For Fishing in Lake Texoma
Fishing at Lake Texoma is an enjoyable and fulfilling activity that can be pursued throughout the year. However, the success of your fishing trip can be influenced by various factors, such as weather conditions, water temperature, wind speed, water clarity, and more.
To increase your chances of a good catch, it is vital to know the best times of the year for fishing in Lake Texoma. Table 3 provides a summary of this information.
Table 3. Best times of the year for fishing in Lake Texoma based on species of fish.
|
Fish Species |
Best Times to Fish |
|
Striped Bass |
Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Fall (September-October), Winter (November-February) |
|
Largemouth Bass |
Spring, especially in the extreme ends of the lake |
|
White Bass |
Spring, as they move into tributary creeks and rivers |
|
White Crappie |
Late March to April |
|
Blue Catfish |
Year-round, with notable sizes |
|
Channel Catfish |
Year-round |
|
Spotted Bass |
Spring, in clear water areas |
Best Fishing Spots in Lake Texoma
- Located in Grayson County, TX
- Accessible via Park Road 20 off Hwy 75
- Best for striped bass fishing from fall to spring
- Offers camping and cabin rentals
- Accessible via the Spillway Boat Ramp closest to Denison Dam
- Good fishing spot for catching stripers and smallmouth bass
- Has a convenient boat launch spot
- Requires a specific Texoma fishing license
- Accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Highport Marina on the Texas side
- Good for fishing year-round
- Can be accessed by boat launch at Denison Dam
- This is a popular spot, so expect lots of boat traffic
- Located about 5 miles southwest of Pottsboro
- Accessible via Hagerman and Refuge Rd
- Known for the spring crappie spawn
- Excellent for topwater smallmouth and striped bass fishing in the morning and evening
- Follow the path west from the Denison Dam Boat Launch to the bluffs
Boat Ramps Along Lake Texoma
|
Nearest Town |
Location Name |
Address |
Notable Features |
|
Pottsboro, TX |
Highport Marina |
120 Texoma Harbor Drive, Pottsboro, TX |
Multi-lane concrete ramp, full-service fuel dock, $10.00 fee |
|
Lighthouse Marina |
300 Lighthouse Drive, Pottsboro, TX 75076 |
Two concrete boat ramps, $5.00 fee |
|
|
Kingston, OK |
Alberta Creek Marina |
9040 Clear Lake Drive, Kingston, OK 73439 |
One lane concrete ramp, courtesy slips, $5.00 fee |
|
Gordonville, TX |
Cedar Mills Marina |
500 Harbour View Road, Gordonville, TX |
|
|
Juniper Point |
Just off of 377, Gordonville, TX |
Two-lane ramps with boat docks, available all year |
|
|
Walnut Creek Marina |
1075 Walnut Creek Rd, Gordonville, TX |
Paved boat ramp, $4.00 fee |
|
|
Sadler, TX |
Big Mineral Marina |
2889 Big Mineral Rd, Sadler, TX 76264 |
Excellent two-lane boat ramp, ample parking |
|
Mead, OK |
Johnson Creek |
Mead, OK 73449 |
Two lanes long with a lovely boat dock |
|
Willow Springs |
Mead, Oklahoma 73449 |
||
|
Platter, OK |
Platter Flats |
Platter, OK 74753 |
One-lane ramp with a boat dock, operated by Army Corps |
|
Denison, TX |
Spillway at Denison Dam |
Denison, TX |
Six-lane ramp, deep into the lake, steep |
Lake Texoma Fishing Regulations
Lake Texoma spans the border between Texas and Oklahoma, and this unique location impacts the fishing regulations and license requirements for anglers. Here’s a summary of what you need to know about fishing at Lake Texoma:
Fishing License Requirements
- Anglers can fish on the Texas side of Lake Texoma with a Texas Fishing License or on the Oklahoma side with an Oklahoma Fishing License.
- A Lake Texoma License (Type 208) is available for $12, allowing you to fish in Texas and Oklahoma waters without additional state licenses. This special license is valid only for Lake Texoma.
- Oklahoma residents 65 or older are exempt from fishing license requirements in Texas, including on Lake Texoma.
- Texas residents 65 or older do not need a Lake Texoma License to fish in the Oklahoma part of the lake.
- You do not need a Lake Texoma Fishing License if you are under 17 or born before January 1, 1931.
Texoma Fishing Regulations and Creel Limit
Special bag and size limits are in effect for several fish species in Lake Texoma.
- Catfish: There’s no minimum length for blue and channel catfish, with a combined daily bag limit of 15 fish. However, only one blue catfish 30 inches or greater may be retained daily.
- Crappie: Black and white crappie have a minimum length limit of 10 inches, and the daily bag limit is 37 in any combination. The possession limit is 50 crappie.
- White Bass: No minimum length limit is set, and the daily bag limit is 25.
- Striped Bass and their Hybrids: There is no minimum length limit. The daily bag limit is 10, and the possession limit is 20. Only two striped or hybrid striped bass 20 inches or greater may be retained daily, and culling is prohibited.
Conservation Authority Information
Drawer A
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 465-4990
